Schweers Stunned By Top Honors

Christopher Newport freshman Chelsie Schweers was chosen player of the year and rookie of the year in USA South women's basketball to become the first player in conference history to receive both honors in the same season.

Her teammate Colandra Rollins, a senior post player, made the first team.

Schweers, a guard from Chesapeake, led the conference in scoring (21.9 points per game) and 3-point field goals (73). She set CNU records for most 3-pointers in a game (10) and season.

"I really didn't plan on getting both or expect to get both, or had even thought much about getting both," Schweers said. "I just think it's crazy. I was really excited. I just couldn't believe that I got both."

CNU guard Davon Barton was chosen to the first team and forward Thomas Whinnett to the second team in all-USA South men's basketball balloting. Ferrum forward Derek Mitchell, a Heritage High grad, was chosen rookie of the year as well as for the second team.

Shenandoah's Jeremiah Lawrence was selected player of the year along with being on the first team, and Ferrum coach Bill Tharp was coach of the year.

Hampton University's men's players were so banged up and ill after the weekend that coach Kevin Nickelberry gave them several days off this week. The Pirates (15-11, 8-5 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) didn't practice Tuesday or Wednesday.

"I'd rather wait and get guys together, even if it's just for one day," he said.

With one week left in the regular season, HU is coming off losses at Coppin State and Morgan State and takes on Norfolk State at home Saturday. Forward Mike Freeman missed the last two games with hip and back problems, and leading scorer Rashad West at guard played just a half at Coppin State and continues to suffer from flu-like symptoms.

Forward Adrian Woodard had back spasms Monday at Morgan State, but Nickelberry asked him, "Can you go? I don't have anybody else."

Nickelberry said his team hasn't practiced at full strength in a month, and thus isn't able to improve on anything between games.

PIRATES REDSHIRTS

Two 6-foot-10 players are sitting out for Hampton this season. Nickelberry redshirted freshman Milade Lola-Charles because he thought he'd be overloaded with post players.

Seyi Oseni redshirted last season as a freshman because of a knee injury, and has again been too hurt to play all season. Nickelberry said that after the season, a decision will be made on whether to redshirt Oseni or find other options.